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Fresh & Easy is a 2007 grocery chain that has struggled for several years in Southern California has started closing its business. Other stores such as Sprouts, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods were tough competitors for Fresh & Easy

As I drove by the Yucaipa store and later the Calimesa store, they both had signs posted that they were closing the doors and selling off the fixtures.

A Fresh & Easy spokesperson said that Fresh & Easy didsn't have enough cash and couldn't obtain financing to continue operating the business though the company had been turning around their finances but just couldn't survive the market. The company operates 97 stores in California, Nevada and Arizona. Southern California is home to 54 locations. Stores are currently being liquidated and closed.

State-mandated WARN Act layoff notices have gone out to about 3,000 employees.

The good news here is a new grocery chain named 'Aldi's" is opening 45 stores in Southern California. Hopefully some of the laid off employees can secure jobs as the holidays are such a horrible time to be out of work.

Comments

Kristin there used to be a lovely Fresh and Easy close to my home and it closed quite a few years ago along with other stores in AZ. Sorry to see them closing as they had qood quality and service. And I hope the employees get jobs with the new chain opening up.

Yes several have been in the news and it is a bad time. So many of my friends like to shop at Trader Joes and buy their household items at big box stores. I think this is why many do not shop at traditional grocery stores now!

Meat and produce sold there cost a alittle more than regular markets but all organic and meats were antibotic free. Now there are more stores and larger so some just win out. Whole Foods, Sprouts and Trader Joe's are really popular in California.

Yes, I am hoping they are getting some help for this holiday season if they do not find job replacements quickly. Too many unemployment and not enough positions it very typical but with church and family, hopefully they will have a happy holiday regardless.